Stupid question of the day, Derby Cover : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Karsten · 10-22-2009, 10:57 PM

Okay so I have this new to me Street Bob that someone had feet issues with and dropped it.

Derby Cover was messed up so I bought a new one and make it right.

Dumb question is, what is inside the cover....fluids or can I just replace it.

Thanks

Karsten

coop creek · 10-22-2009, 11:12 PM

There's primary fluid that comes up to a little below the cover you are going to take off. To avoid spilling it when I remove the cover I keep the bike straight upright rather than leaning on the kickstand. Make sure you have a good T27 torx bit so you dont foul up the bolts and a new gasket that fits your cover.

Gulfstream · 10-23-2009, 12:14 AM

I've reused the gaskets with luck...at least a couple of times.

hbmc · 10-23-2009, 12:21 AM

if it is the o ring type gasket that one will last many R&R's

ChopperDude · 10-23-2009, 09:46 AM

Those gaskets are SO cheap... get a new one to be sure.

Traakon · 10-23-2009, 10:05 AM

Yes, compared to other parts they are cheap insurance. Honestly, if I pull the cover and the gasket sticks to the cover, I replace it. If it stays with the primary case I just put the cover on with out changing it. Reasoning, if it comes off with the cover, it was not sealed well to the primary. If it stays with the primary, its got a good seal, why redo what's working.

ChopperDude · 10-23-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traakon

Yes, compared to other parts they are cheap insurance. Honestly, if I pull the cover and the gasket sticks to the cover, I replace it. If it stays with the primary case I just put the cover on with out changing it. Reasoning, if it comes off with the cover, it was not sealed well to the primary. If it stays with the primary, its got a good seal, why redo what's working.

That's good thinking, actually.

fafcpa · 10-23-2009, 02:07 PM

The only stupid question is the one you do not ask! Not knowing its answer will get you in trouble every time.

Some have replaced the T27 Torx bolts with Allen bolts to avoid problems. You may want to think about this when you have your's off.

Fred

HDFXDL07 · 10-23-2009, 05:59 PM

I agree with coop creek. I have replaced the derby cover on my dyna low rider and I just made sure the bike was in the vertical position. No fluid will leak out then.

Karsten · 10-23-2009, 07:26 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I was thinking it should be dry and just a Primary Cover to keep dirt out.....Thinking coming from 3 inch exposed drives.

I would have been cleaning up oil and what out and really miffed at myself.

Ask the same question on another board and you have have twice as many posts about how stupid I am, buy a manual and still no one would have even attempted a stab at the question.

Now I just need to find a service manual for this one.

Thanks again,

Karsten

Traakon · 10-23-2009, 10:13 PM

Plenty of the "Buy a manual" posters on this forum as well but the manual will tell you to replace the gasket.

There is the right way, the wrong way, the way the manual says and often, there is a common sense way that is somewhere between them all.

How would you know if you didn't ask?

ThingFish · 10-25-2009, 01:01 AM

I just put a small piece of wood under my stand to level the bike and swaped the cover. I replaced the gasket (cheap and recommended) but used the stock bolts. Had no problems and just tightened them carefully. No mess, no drips, and very easy. The only thing easier is the timing cover which is pure cosmetic.